Global estimates of fishing gear lost to the ocean each year
Overview
Paper Summary
This study estimates that nearly 2% of all fishing gear is lost annually, including significant amounts of gillnets, purse seine nets, trawl nets, longlines, and pots and traps. While this represents a large amount of lost gear, it is lower than some previous, less comprehensive estimates. The study used fisher interviews combined with global fishing effort data to reach these estimates.
Explain Like I'm Five
Imagine fishers accidentally dropping their nets, lines, and traps in the ocean. This study figured out how much gear gets lost each year. It's like losing your toys, but for fishers and the ocean!
Possible Conflicts of Interest
None identified
Identified Limitations
Rating Explanation
The study provides valuable new estimates of global fishing gear loss using a comprehensive approach combining fisher interviews and global fishing effort data. While self-reporting bias and limited geographic scope are limitations, the methodological approach and findings contribute substantially to our understanding of this important issue.
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